How Did Borje Salming Die? Maple Leafs Legend Cause of Death Revealed
Börje Salming, a former player for the Toronto Maple Leafs, passed away on November 24, 2022. He was 71.
How Did Börje Salming Die?
On behalf of the Salming family, the team issued a statement on Thursday confirming his passing. They noted that he was “a pioneer of the game and a legend with an unbreakable spirit and unquestionable toughness.”
Brendan Shanahan, president of the Maple Leafs, wrote: “He helped open the door for Europeans in the NHL and defined himself through his play on the ice and his contributions to the community.”
Statement from Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan on the passing of Börje Salming: pic.twitter.com/zguKOyVLmM
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 24, 2022
“Börje became a member of our hockey family fifty years ago when he signed with the Maple Leafs. Our hearts go out to his wife Pia, his kids Theresa, Anders, Rasmus, Bianca, Lisa, and Sara, as well as his brother Stieg.
Mayor John Tory shared his condolences to Salming’s family, loved ones, and Toronto hockey fans following the news of his passing. “From Sweden to Toronto, ‘The King’ will be remembered for the incredible impact he had on our city,” Tory said in a statement Thursday. “I’m thankful he was able to be here earlier this month for such a courageous and loving moment on the ice.”
Börje Salming Cause of Death
Borje Salming cause of death is ALS. Salming announced in August he had been diagnosed with ALS.” I have received news that has shaken my family and me,” he said at the time “The signs that indicated that something was wrong in my body turned out to be the disease ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.”
Börje Salming passed away after a fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS.) disease. Salming, who spent 16 seasons (1973–1989) with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996, acknowledged that there is no cure for ALS at this time.
“In an instant, everything changed. I do not know how the days ahead will be, but I understand that there will be challenges greater than anything I have ever faced.”
MapleLeafs had a very special event to honor Börje Salming. The former Leaf’s defenseman was honored by the team earlier this month in a touching ceremony that also included former players Darryl Sittler and Mats Sundin.
The Swedish hero, who continues to hold the record for the most goals scored by a defenseman in Leaf’s history, is currently battling ALS but “came home” to Toronto for the weekend on November 13, 2022, NHL.
ALS is a degenerative illness of the neurological system that causes paralysis, the inability to swallow, respiratory failure, and finally death.
At Scotiabank Arena, Salming’s #21 jersey is suspended in the rafters. Only one of the Leafs’ 19 retired numbers is his. Salming represented Sweden outside of the Leafs at the 1992 Winter Olympics, three Canada Cups, and four IIHF World Championships.
Who was Börje Salming?
Anders Börje Salming, sometimes known as “The King,” was a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman who played for 23 seasons with Brynäs IF, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Detroit Red Wings, and AIK. He was born on April 17, 1951 in the village of Salmi in Kiruna, near Torneträsk in Jukkasjärvi Parish.
One of the first European players to have a significant influence on the National Hockey League. Salming is frequently regarded as a national hero in his native Sweden and a trailblazer for European athletics (NHL). He was one of the top defensemen of his time and was selected for six straight NHL All-Star teams.
Salming is best known for his lengthy tenure with the Maple Leafs, who retired his number 21 in 2016. He also owns the franchise record for most assists among other records. Salming represented Sweden internationally and earned two World Championship medals.